Self contained property management system

ABSTRACT

A method of and apparatus for wirelessly collecting and transmitting environmental condition information received from one or more environmental monitoring sensors located in and around a property of homes, buildings or structures. The environmental monitoring sensors communicates the conditions to a Property Management Communication Hub (e.g., a signal hub). The systems, apparatuses, and methods are Self-Contained Property Management System (‘SCPMS’). In one embodiment, a property management method is performed/executed by one or more algorithm implemented processor within the Property Management Communication Hub. The method comprises receiving an encoded event alert from a wireless sensor, encoding the event information, and transmitting the encoded event information to a remote location by a communication module configured to communicate using a wireless communication method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present invention claims priority to the U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/552,933, titled “A SELF CONTAINED PROPERTYMANAGEMENT SYSTEM,” filed on Aug. 31, 2017, the U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/643,588 titled “A SELF CONTAINED PROPERTYMANAGEMENT SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 15, 2018, and the U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 62/677,603 titled “A SELF CONTAINED PROPERTYMANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR MONITORING APPLIANCE, VACANT PROPERTY, ANDCOMMERCIAL PROPERTY,” filed on May 29, 2018, which are incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for and methods of propertymanagement. Specifically, the present invention relates to propertymanagement using a signal hub for connecting environmental sensors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, vacant residential properties that are waiting to bepurchased are susceptible to all types of natural hazards, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding. At the same time, there are manymanmade hazards that can negatively affect the safety of a vacantproperty, such as arson, intrusion, and vandalized flooding.Traditionally, two methods are used to ensure these properties aremanaged against security and environmental hazards.

The first method uses on-site inspections performed by inspectionpersonnel. This method is costly and offers no protection when there areconsiderable gaps in scheduled maintenance visits. As an example, if awater leaking or flooding event occurs weeks between maintenance visits,the condition may last for many weeks causing severe damage to theproperty.

The second method uses a conventional property management system, suchas a traditional security system. Unfortunately, these systems require aconstant power supply. Without a constant power supply, constantsurveillance over a property for several months or years cannot beattained.

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional carbon monoxide detector (CO detector)system 100. The system 100 comprises a CO detector 102, which isconfigured to detect a life or safety-threatening event 108 (e.g, a gasleaking event; a high concentration of carbon monoxide) when theproperty 104 is exposed to invisible yet life threatening CO gases.Although a loud alert is sounded during a CO triggered event, this canonly help when people are present at the premise and are able to hearthe alarm. An unchecked gas leak can become a catastrophic communityevent if not managed in real time. Property management companies areoften unable to be notified about the situation due to lack of power atthe property.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A Self Contained Property Management System (hereinafter “SCPMS”) isdisclosed herein to provide advanced devices and methods for propertymanagement. In contrast to the traditional alarm sensor around the housemerely for safety and security, the sensors and signal hubs disclosedherein are constructed and configured to profile and/or monitor theenvironmental conditions (e.g., temperature, water pressure, leakingissues, and functioning status of the utility devices), such thatproperty management center is able to remotely perform functions ofmaintenance and diagnostics.

In some embodiments, the SCPMS is used to remotely manage vacantresidential properties having no access to AC power or InternetServices. In some embodiments, the SCPMS comprises one or moreEnvironmental Hazard Sensors (hereinafter “EHS”). In some embodiments,the SCPMS serves as a wireless communication hub utilizing a dedicatedself-contained battery supply, a wireless communication module utilizinga dedicated self-contained battery supply, and a RF (radio frequency)transceiver with its own dedicated self-contained battery energy supply.The RF transceiver is configured/structured to communicate with one ormore wireless sensors (e.g., the EHS) to monitor environmental andsecurity conditions.

In some embodiments, the central hub communicates with other centralhubs (e.g., at different buildings) throughout one or more givenregions, areas, or zip codes to provide proactive data or preventivesolution, such as but not limited to, current weather conditions,regional/occurring criminal activities, imminent environmental threatssuch as wildfires, flashfloods, tornadoes to communicate actions oroperations to a wide plurality of management devices within thedwellings that perform predetermined tasks (e.g., activating sensorsthat control water sprinkler systems, attic or gable vent shields, openor close windows and doors, open pet doors, turn on basement pumps,etc.) Any other property management devices (e.g., sensors or actionperforming devices) are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contains industrial applications and advancesthat allows a monitoring device and system to wirelessly communicatewith environment sensors (e.g., smoke or flood sensors), which providesusers a method of monitoring and reporting environmental and securityevents in structures/property that have no power or internet services.In some embodiments, the systems and devices disclosed herein areconstructed and/or configured to continuously monitor the environmentalevents of the property for weeks or years. For example in someembodiments, the battery management system is constructed to havespecially designed functioning time/mode (e.g., wake up duty cycle andbandwidth for communication to save energy) and individual independentbatteries for powering each of the selective components (e.g., acellular radio module, a RF module, and a signal hub) inside the device.

Each of the batteries are constructed to have sufficient stored energyto supply the power needed by the components for a predeterminedduration, such as 6 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, or 5 years. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anypredetermined time is able to be achieved by configuring the functioningtime and power management modes. In some embodiments, the energy insidethe batteries with a higher remaining voltage are configured tosupply/assist the batteries with a lower remaining voltage throughpredetermined electrical circuit constructions. In some embodiments, oneor more voltage sensors and/or power supply circuits are containedinside the monitoring device for sensing the amount of remainingelectricity and/or transporting the electrical energy. In someembodiments, the selective components (e.g., the cellular radio module,the RF module, and the signal hub) are configured to wake up fortransmitting and/or receiving signals at a predetermined interval (e.g.,every 2 millisecond and for a duration of 1 millisecond), such that apredetermined amount of energy contained in the batteries (e.g., two AAAlkaline NiMH batteries with a capacity of 2,500 mAh/each or 1,200-1,900mAh/each) can last for the predetermined duration (e.g., 2 years or 5years, etc.). In some embodiments, the batteries are rechargeablebatteries coupled with an energy source, such as solar panelelectrically coupled with the SCPMS or an AC/DC power source. Moredetails of the SCPMS are provided in the following.

In some embodiments, the SCPMS functions as a central signal hub forsensors (e.g., sensor signal hub), which receives signals/communicateswith the sensors. The sensors can be one or more EHMS (EnvironmentalHazard Monitoring Sensors) and/or ECMS (Environment Condition MonitoringSensors), which can be individually and independently able tocommunicate with the sensor signal hub. Alternatively, the one or moreEHMS/ECMS are communicating with each other and also with the sensorsignal hub. In some embodiments, the central hub comprises a carbonmonoxide detector, a flood sensor, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the central signal hub comprises a structure ofreporting circuit configured to communicate, one way or two ways, with anotification receiving center (e.g., a property management center, acall center, a mobile device (e.g., device user's mobile device), lawenforce department, and/or an emergency dispatch center). In someembodiments, the structure of reporting circuit comprises components andcircuits configured to communicate using telephone signals, internesignals (e.g., broadband connections), radio signals, or a combinationthereof. For example, the central hub can comprise circuits and a chipset (throughout the present disclosure, a “set” can be defined as one ormore) for communication via GSM (Global System for MobileCommunication), TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access), and/or CDMA (CodeDivision Multiple Access). In another example, the central hub cancomprise circuits and chip sets for broadband connections including DSL(Digital Subscriber Line), cable modem, optical fiber, wireless,satellite, and/or BPL (Broadband Over Power Lines) or any othercommunication technologies. The terms hub, signal hub, sensor signalhub, or any term that is used to refer to receiving/collecting signalsare used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, the central hub comprises circuits and a chip setfor communicating with the one or more EHMS/ECMS using radio frequencysignals (RF), infrared signals (IR), Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. The centralhub is able to be configured to receive environmental condition signalsfrom coupled sensors (e.g., flood sensors, fire sensors, WiFi enableddevice, and/or any IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

In some embodiments, EHMS/ECMS comprises one or more flooding sensors,water leaking sensors, pipe leaking or bursting sensors, fire sensors,mold sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, infraredheat sensors, or a combination thereof. Any other environmentalmonitoring sensors are within the scope of the present invention, suchas motion sensors are within the scope of the present invention formonitoring the intrusion of an unauthorized person.

In an aspect, a property managing system comprises a property managingmember configured to receive property condition information, wherein theproperty managing member comprises a property managing softwareconfigured to process the property condition information and a pluralityof property managing devices configured to send the property conditioninformation to the property managing member, wherein each of theproperty managing devices comprises: i. a wireless external reportingmember configured to report the property condition information to aproperty managing member; ii. an environmental monitoring sensorconfigured to transmit an event signal to the wireless externalreporting member at an occurrence of a predetermined event; and iii. abattery configured to power the wireless external reporting member, theenvironmental monitoring sensor, or both. In some embodiments, theproperty managing device comprises a signal hub.

In other embodiments, the signal hub comprises a radio frequencytransmitter. In some other embodiments, the signal hub is configured toreceive a set of signals having environmental condition information. Insome embodiments, the environmental monitoring sensor comprises a smokedetector. In other embodiments, the environmental monitoring sensorcomprises a flood detector. In some other embodiments, the environmentalmonitoring sensor comprises a water leak detector. In some embodiments,the environmental monitoring sensor comprises a mold detector. In otherembodiments, the environmental monitoring sensor comprises a motiondetector. In some other embodiments, the property managing membercomprises a computing device configured to run the property managingsoftware.

In some embodiments, the property managing software is configured toremotely control one or more mechanical or electrical devices in aproperty managed via the property managing device. In some embodiments,the property managing member comprises multiple computing devicesconfigured to currently process multiple received property conditioninformation from the plurality of property managing devices.

In another aspect, a property managing device comprises a reporting unitconfigured to wireless report a detected property hazardous eventsignal, a radio frequency communicating unit configured to receive thedetected property hazardous event signal from one or more firstenvironmental sensors, and a housing containing one or more batteries,the reporting unit, the radio frequency communicating unit, and a secondenvironmental sensor. In some embodiments, the second environmentalsensor comprises a smoke detector.

In other embodiments, the one or more first environmental sensorscomprise a smoke detector, a flood sensor, a water leak sensor, a moldsensor, a motion sensor, any other sensors used to monitor anenvironmental condition, or a combination thereof. In some otherembodiments, the reporting unit uses a wireless cell signal forreporting the detected property hazardous event signal. In someembodiments, the wireless cell signal comprises a GSM signal.

In other embodiments, the second environmental sensor is configured tobe always on at a normal operating condition. In some other embodiments,the radio frequency communicating unit is configured to wake up toreceive the detected property hazardous event signal for a repeatingpredetermined duration. In some embodiments, the reporting unit isconfigured to wake up when the radio frequency communicating unitreceives the detected property hazardous event signal. In otherembodiments, the reporting unit is configured to wake up for a firstpredetermined duration for each of a second predetermined repeatingduration in addition to a wakeup condition of a reception of thedetected property hazardous event signal.

In another aspect, a method of managing properties comprises couplingone or more battery powered wireless smoke detectors to each ofproperties managed and identifying one or more properties among theproperties managed that send out detected hazardous event signal fromthe one or more battery powered wireless smoke detectors. In someembodiments, the one or more battery powered wireless smoke detectorscomprises a radio frequency transceiver. In other embodiments, the radiofrequency transceiver is configured to receive the detected hazardousevent signal from one or more property sensors. In some otherembodiments, the method further comprises sensing a fire event, aflooding, a water leaking event, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional carbon monoxide detector alarm system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a property management system in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a central hub communicating system in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a device for self-contained property managementsystem (SCPMS) in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a use of the central hub communicating system inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a property management system in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of using an environmental sensing device forproperty management in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a power management system of a property managementdevice in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C illustrate exemplary duty cycles that isable to be applied by the power management system of FIG. 6 inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a property management system in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 8A and 8B illustrates a property management system constructedbased on the power management system of FIG. 7 in accordance with someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2 illustrates a property management system 200 in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, the system 200 is tailored andspecially constructed for property management, especially for the vacantor newly constructed buildings or structures that do not have permanentelectricity supply. In some embodiments, the system 200 is used in abarn 203, a newly built house 207, and/or a factory 205 that do not haveor not yet have permanent electricity supply availability.

In one example, a signal hub 203A is used or installed in the barn 203.The signal hub 203A communicates and collects environmental monitoringsignals from one or more of the Environmental Monitoring Sensors(“EMS”), such as temperature sensor 203B for monitoring the temperatureof the storage inside the barn 203 and moisture sensor 203C formonitoring the moisture level of the soil outside of the barn 203.Similarly, a signal hub 205A can be used at the factory 205. A signalhub 207A can be used at the newly built house 207. A signal hub 211A canbe used at the mobile vehicle 211 (e.g., RV or mobile home).

The signal hubs 203A, 205A, 207A, and 211A either communicated two-wayor collect signals one way from one or more of the EMSs. Next, thesignals hubs 203A, 205A, 207A, and 211A communicate (one-way and two-waypush/pull signal to property management center 209, or vice versa)environmental condition signals with one or more predetermined propertymanagement centers (e.g., call centers) 209. The environmental conditionsignals are received by a receiver or transceiver 209A at the propertymanagement centers 209 from the signal hubs 203A, 205A, 207A, and 211Avia the signal transmission towel 201.

FIG. 2A illustrates a central hub communicating system 200A inaccordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the system 200Acomprises a communication hub 202, which contains electronic andcommunication components for signal communication internally (e.g., withEMS (Environmental Monitoring Sensors or any sensors inside/around theproperty) and externally (e.g., with a property managementcenter/device; notification receiving center). The EMS comprises EHMS(Environmental Hazard Monitoring Sensors), ECMS (Environment ConditionMonitoring Sensors), or both. The EHMS and ECMS can be natural occurringconditions (e.g., moisture level, smoke level, and temperature) and/orhuman caused conditions (e.g., vandalism.)

In some embodiments, EHMS is structured to monitor one or moreenvironmental hazardous conditions, which can be any environmentalconditions that can cause damage or safety concern to property or life.For example, a temperature that is over a safe or predetermined safetysetting or value. In some embodiments, ECMS is structured to monitor oneor more environmental one-time occurring or reoccurring conditions,which can be any typical environmental conditions that are related to orabout the property or its surrounding environment. For example, atypical temperature reading or a period of time of a temperature ormoisture average number.

In some embodiments, the communication hub 202 is powered by one or morebatteries. In some embodiments, the hub communication hub 202 isconstructed to have one or more dedicated batteries capable of lastingfor three to five years without replacing or recharging the batteries byengaging the specially designed wake-up duty cycle with thecommunication protocol/bandwidth disclosed herein. In some otherembodiments, the communication hub 202 is coupled with a power source,such as a DC (Direct Current), AC (Alternating Current), and a renewablepower receiving power source, such that the power supply is on anuninterrupted or non-depleted manner.

In some embodiments, the communication hub 202 comprises one or more ofthe EMS. In some embodiments, the communication hub 202 comprises areporting component 204, such as a GSM, such that the communication hub202 is able to communicate with remote monitoring devices/place, such asa mobile device 218, a property management center 212, an emergencyresponse center 214, and/or a call center 216. In some embodiments, thereporting of a triggered event (e.g., fire event, flooding event, orburglary) is via an intermediate device 210, such as a telephone signaltower.

In some embodiments, the communication hub 202 comprises an internalcommunication component 224 (e.g., RF signal and Wi-Fi), which isconfigured to receive signals from one or more of the EMS (EnvironmentalMonitoring Sensors) 206. The sensors 206 can be any sensors thatmonitoring one or more conditions of the house or building, such as afire sensor, a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, amold sensor, a flood sensor, a surveillance camera, or a combinationthereof, wherein the sensors are constructed and configured for propertymaintenance and diagnostic of property issues (e.g., leaking, propertyfire, utility status, and flooding). In some embodiments, the sensor 206comprises a RF signal communication component configured to signallycommunicate with the communication hub 202, which can be the centralcommunicating, action commanding and/or computing device of the SCPMS.

In some embodiments, the communication hub 202 comprises a carbonmonoxide detector, a reporting component 204, and an internalcommunication component 224. The hub 202 can serve as a central hub forreceiving building monitoring signals and reporting the receivedmonitoring signals at an occurrence or non-occurrence of predeterminedconditions (e.g., at an alarm triggered event of flooding andnon-occurrence of a condition, such as no fire detected).

FIG. 2B illustrates a device 200B for a self-contained propertymanagement system (SCPMS) in accordance with some embodiments. Thedevice 200B can comprise a device housing 250, a cellular module 252, acellular module battery 254, a RF transceiver module 256, a RF modulebattery 258, a signal collecting hub 260, a signal collecting hubbattery 262, a RF microcontroller 264, a cellular microcontroller 266, asignal collecting hub microcontroller 268, a carbon monoxide detector272 and an antenna 270.

In operation, the cellular module 252 operates as a reporting component,which establishes a cellular communication link between the device 200Band a reporting receiving device (e.g., a server at a property managingcenter), such that a condition of the monitored premise or property canbe reported to a predetermined person or device (e.g., wirelesscommunication to a monitored call center).

In some embodiments, the RF transceiver module 256 establishes a RFcommunication link between or among one or more premise monitoringsensors (e.g., EMS) via one or more RF antenna. In some embodiments,two-way communication between the SCPMS and the sensors are used. Anyother type of detectors or sensors (e.g., motion sensors) are able to beincluded in the housing 250 and become part of the device 200A.

Each of the components are able to be powered by one or more individualdedicated batteries or by sharing a power source with other components.Similarly, each of the components are able to be controlled by dedicatedmicro controllers. Because of the dedicated in combination of the powersaving module (e.g., wake up duty cycle and/or limited transmissionrange and frequency), each of the dedicated battery is able to operateassociated electronic component (e.g., the signal hub) to be operatedfor 3-5 years without a need to replace or recharge the battery.

In communication, the SCPMS can utilize various predetermined protocolsto communicate with a backend receiver located distal/remote to theSCPMS at a remote monitoring facility (e.g., in another city). Thebackend receiver receives, decodes and delivers the event messages fromthe SCPMS to the monitoring centers' automation software allowingoperators to dispatch maintenance personnel or security professionals(depending on the event requirement) in real time.

In some embodiments, the system is constructed to allow meshing orinterconnecting of sensors, such as RF based smoke detectors, floodsensors, and any other environmental sensing devices. U.S. Pat. No.8,779,919 is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes,wherein the methodology described therein can be used by SCPMS.

FIG. 3 illustrates a use of the central hub communicating system 300 inaccordance with some embodiments. The system 300 and the system 200 ofFIG. 2, 200A of FIG. 2A, and 200B of FIG. 2B can be read together. Thesystem 300 comprises a hub 302, which can be the same as the hub 202 ofFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the hub 302 comprises a GSM module 302A, aRF unit 302B (Radio Frequency), and a smoke detector 302C. In someembodiments, the RF unit 302B is installed on the ceiling of a room orbuilding, so that the hub 302 is able to have a wider coverage area 302Dof RF signals.

The EMS (such as fire sensors 306, the flood sensors 304, and carbonmonoxide detectors 308) are able to send signals (e.g., an urgent eventnotification signals, equipment status check signals, and normal/regularenvironmental condition) to be received, filtered, and/or processed bythe hub 302. In addition, the EMS can communicate with each other orproviding signal extending functionality (e.g., a signal extender) forother EMS. In some embodiments, the EHS comprises any environmental orproperty status sensors, so it is not limited to hazardous detectingsensors.

In some embodiments, the hub 302 comprises a Wi-Fi unit 302E. In someembodiments, the Wi-Fi unit 302E is installed on the ceiling of a roomor building, so that the hub 302 is able to have a wider coverage area302F of Wi-Fi signals. The fire sensors 306, the flood sensors 304, andcarbon monoxide detectors 308 are able to send signals (e.g., an urgentevent notification signal) to be received, filtered, and/or processed bythe hub 302.

FIG. 4 illustrates a property management system 400 in accordance withsome embodiments. The hub 402 can be similar to the hub 302 of FIG. 3,which contains an external/remote reporting unit and an internalcommunicating unit for signal coupling with the EMS. In someembodiments, the system 400 comprises a mold sensing device 404, whichis configured to detect the presence of mold, such that the fungalcontaminations in buildings or residence can be detected or prevented.

In some embodiments, the mold sensing device 404 comprises an airsampling/collecting fan 410, which collects or pulls in air from theenvironment. The sensor 412 (e.g., spores sensor) is used to detectand/or monitor the presence of mold. Various mold sensors 412 are ableto be used, so long as the sensors are able to detect the presenceand/or density of mold. For example, the mold sensor fabricated usingcell size imprinting method disclosed in “Monitoring Cells and Spores byBiomimetic Sensors—Applications in Biotechnology and Biological Threat”by Franz L. Dickert, published on AMA Conference 2013—Sensor 2013, OPTO2013, page 531-534, which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyfor all purpose. Further, the mold detection using optical method anddevices as disclosed in “An Impedance-Based Mold Sensor with on-ChipOptical Reference” by Poornachandra Papireddy Vinayaka et al, publishedon Sensors (Basel) 2016 October; 16(10): 1603 is incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purpose. Any other devices that can beused to detect the presence or non-presence of mold are within the scopeof the present disclosure.

The sensing signal generated by the sensor 412 is communicated with thehub 402 via the RF transmitter 408. Thus, a remote property managingcenter is able to be notified when mold spores or other mold agents arepresented at the property managed. In some embodiments, the EMS (e.g.,EHMS, the mold sensor) are able to be included in the hub 402.

In some embodiments, the EMS comprises an EHMS, since the detection ofthe presence of the mold constitutes the detection of a condition thatcan cause damage to the property that is monitored. In some embodiments,the EMS comprises an ECMS, which monitor and detect the condition thatcan cause mold, such as moisture level and temperature that can causemold.

In some embodiments, one or more mold sensing devices 404 are placed invarious locations 406 of the property with interconnecting functions,such as kitchen, attic, bathroom, restroom, or any other locations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 of using an environmental sensing devicefor property management in accordance with some embodiments.

Property Internal Positioning System (PIPS)

The method 500 can start at a Step 502. At a Step 504, a hub device iscoupled/paired with one or more environmental monitoring sensors (EMS),such that one or more of the EMS is registered and/or recognized by thehub. The hub can record the serial numbers or signal characters of eachof the EMS, such that the hub is able to identify the source of themonitoring signal. In some embodiments, each of the EMS is used as aProperty Internal Positioning System (PIPS), which is able to report tothe property management center about the detailed location of where inthe building a service or assistance is needed.

At a Step 506, the hub is communicating with a remote propertymanagement center, such that the property management center is able tobe notified in real-time or proximate in time (e.g., before seriousdamage occurs to the property; fire sensor less than 1 min, while molddamage less than 1 month) concerning the status of the property. Theremote property management center is able to push or pull signals fromthe hub for inquiring the status of the property. Similarly, the hub isable to push or pull property condition signals to the remote propertymanagement center (e.g., for status reporting and updating.) Anysequences or manners of communication between the hub and the propertymanagement center are within the scope of the present disclosure.

At a Step 508, one or more conditions of a building or structure ismonitored by using the EHS and/or the hub.

At a Step 510, reporting a condition (e.g., an environmental condition;a hazardous condition) of the building or structure is performed when apredetermined environmental condition (e.g., hazardous, such as sensedwater leaking or flooding) is detected.

At a Step 512, the property management center dispatch personnel toperform needed actions for taking care of the property. The method 500can stop at a Step 514.

In some embodiments, the signal hub is used as a stand-alone monitoringdevice, which reports one or more monitored conditions to a remoteproperty managing center while not in signal connection with otherseparate environmental sensors.

FIG. 6 illustrates a power management system 600 of a propertymanagement device in accordance with some embodiments. In someembodiments, the system 600 comprises a property management device 602,which is the same or similar to the device 200B (FIG. 2B). In someembodiments, the device 602 comprises a cellular radio module 604 thatwirelessly reports/communicates (1 way or 2 way) with a remote propertymanagement center 626.

In some embodiments, the communication is through one or moreintermediate transmission towers 624. The wireless communication can bethrough mobile phone network (e.g., GSM (Global System for MobileCommunications), LTE (Long Term Evolution), TDMA (time Division MultipleAccess), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), 3G (3^(rd) Generationmobile network), 4G (4^(th) Generation mobile network), 5G (5^(th)Generation mobile network) or any other communication technologies.

In some embodiments, the device 602 comprises a Radio Frequency module(RF) 606, which communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., sensors618, 620, 622) or siren/alarms inside the property 628 that has beenmanaged.

In some embodiments, the device 602 comprises one or more of theenvironmental monitoring sensors 608 (e.g., carbon monoxide detector).

Power Management Module

In some embodiments, the device 602 comprises a power management moduleand circuits, which configures the device 602 to function for anextended duration (e.g., six months or one year) with its containedbattery.

In some embodiments, the device 602 comprises a power management moduleand circuits of the property management system (e.g., for theenvironmental monitoring sensors (EMS) to communicate with the signalhubs) utilizes a 906 MHz frequency that allows for a longer transmissionlength than the FCC regulations permits for other common radiofrequencies such as 433 MHz. By performing the operation and using thespecifically selected frequency as described above it allows the radiofrequency receiver to sample at a slower rate, thus requiring lessburden on the batteries and resulting in a prolonged battery life, suchas for continuous use for more than 6 months, 1 year, 3 year, or 5years.

In an exemplary embodiment, the environmental monitoring sensor 608 isconfigured to be always powered-on to sense or monitor the environmentalconditions. The RF module 606 is configured to wake up and listen forincoming signals from the one or more environmental monitoring sensorsbased on at least one periodic duty cycle.

In some embodiments, the RF module 606 is configured to wake up andlisten for the incoming signals for a continuous duration of everyperiod, (e.g., the periodic duty cycle.)

Please refer to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C. They illustrate exemplaryperiodic duty cycles applied by the RF module 606 in some embodiments.

In FIG. 6A, the RF module 606 is able to apply a continuous duty cyclefor each period having a length T. The continuous periodic duty cyclemay have a length of xT, where x is between 0 and 1. Each the periodicduty cycle may start at the beginning of each period. Similarly, in FIG.6B, each the periodic duty cycle may start at yT after the beginning ofeach period, where y is between 0 and 1. For example, the periodic dutycycle may be a continuous duration of 0.1-0.9 seconds for every 6seconds.

In FIG. 6C, the RF module 606 can also apply multiple (two or more)discrete duty cycles in each period having the length T. For example, ineach the period, the RF module 606 can apply discrete duty cycles havinglengths x₁T, x₂T and x₃T respectively spaced by lengths y₁T and y₂T. Asum of x₁, x₂ and x₃ is x. A sum of y₁ and y₂ is y.

A ratio of the duty cycles, (e.g., values of x, x₁, x₂ and x₃) can bedynamically adjusted according to an immediate requirement of the powermanagement system 600. For example, if a user of the power managementsystem 600 demands a better surveillance of his/her own property, theduty cycle can be dynamically adjusted to be higher, he/she can increasethe value of x. Else, if the user demands a lower power consumption ofthe power management system 600, he/she can decrease the value of x.Particularly in FIG. 6C, the separation of duty cycles having lengthsx₁T, x₂T and x₃T in each period leads to a better surveillance,especially when the power management system 600 does not intend toincrease its periodic duty cycle and power consumption, but stillintends to lower its risk of late sensing of a dangerous event.

In some embodiments, the dynamic adjustment can be controlled via theuser directly or via a predetermined rule. In some embodiments, thepredetermined rule corresponds to a chance of danger. For example, thepower management system 600 may dynamically set the value of x to behigher in response to a higher risk of fire disaster in the summer. Insome embodiments, the limitation of the dynamic adjustment of duty cycleis that the device does not run out or run too low of its predeterminedde-fault energy. As described above, the cellular radio module 604 is acomponent that consumes considerable power at its operation, and isconfigured to wake up and listen for incoming signals or to checkwhether there are incoming signals from the property management centerat predetermined time frames (e.g., every 30 days).

An example of the dynamic adjustment purpose would be to allow thedevice to limit the wake up cycle (too frequent) or wake up duration(too long) that would cause the installed battery to be unable to lastmore than a predetermined duration (e.g., 6 months.)

In some embodiments, the device 602 also contains a microprocessor thatwakes up the cellular radio module 604 to send/report signals when theRF module and/or the environmental sensor 608 communicates with thecellular radio module 604 (e.g., the CO detector senses gas and triggersan alert). A person of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that theoperational duration and wake up time for each of the cellular radiomodule 604, the RF module 606, and environmental sensor 608 are able tobe configured to predetermined settings. The batteries 610, 612, and 614are able to be configured to provide power independently to each of thecellular radio module 604, the RF module 606, and environmental sensor608. Under circumstances that the power management system 600 applieslower periodic duty cycle(s), the power management system 600 mayrequire only one battery for the device 602. In some embodiments, thedevice 602 is powered by only the battery 610 for multiple years, but noless than 3 months without the need to replace or recharge the battery610.

1 Way/2 Way Communications

Referring back to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the device 602 comprisesa one-way or two-way communication control module and/or switch 616,which sets the device 602 to be in a one-way or two-way communicationmode. In some embodiments, the device sends signals to configure the oneor more sensors 618, 620, and 622 or for the sensors to configurethemselves into a one way communication mode. In some embodiments, thesensors 618, 620, and 622 contains switches (e.g., manual mechanicalswitches or electronic switches controllable using a control signal by aremote electronic device) to set themselves to a one-way or two-waymode.

In the exemplary one-way communication module 628, the sensors 618, 620,and 622 only communicate with the device 602 (e.g., the signal hub). Thesensors 618, 620, and 622 do not interconnect with each other. This oneway communication mode can effectively reduce the energy needed for thesystem 600 to operate. As an example, the one way communication mode canbe configured/constructed for commercial property management use.

In the exemplary two-way communication module 630, the sensors 618, 620,and 622 communicate with the device 602 (e.g., the signal hub) viasignals 630A and also perform interconnecting communication among thesensors 618, 620, and 622 via interconnecting signals 630B. This two-waycommunication mode can trigger all or more than one of the sensors toset off alarms/sirens when one of the sensors (such as sensors 618, 620,622 and 608) detects a predetermined triggering event, such as fire orflood. As an example, the two-way communication mode can beconfigured/constructed for residential uses, since instant notificationfor all the sensors/alarms of a triggered event at different locationsof the property helps a person in the monitored premise to be aware of atrigger alarm event and to take immediate actions or responses (e.g.,escape or ask for help).

In some embodiments, the sensors 618, 620, and 622 have the sameconstruction as the device 602, such that the sensors can serve asinterconnected sensors (e.g., smoke detectors) in multiple rooms of thepremise.

FIG. 7 illustrates a property management system 700 in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, each of the properties managedare equipped with one or more of the property management systems 704A,706A, and 708A (e.g., the property management device 602 and sensors618, 620, 622 of FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the property managementsystems 704A, 706A, and 708A are constructed similar to a car on-boarddiagnostics (OBD, such as ALDL, M-OBD, ODB-I, OBD-1.5, OBD II, EOBDfault codes, EOBD2, JOBD; all of the OBD related standards,communication protocols, communication components in terms of hardwareand software, and construction hardware and software are incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes), which is configured tomake the device self-diagnostic and reporting conditions of the propertybeing managed or monitored.

In some embodiments, the property management device is a standalonedevice, which can be configured/constructed to communicate withexisting/pre-installed home security or sensing devices. In otherembodiments, the property management device is configured/constructed tobe a plugin unit that is plugged into a preexisting/pre-installed homesecurity or sensing devices. In some other embodiments, the propertymanagement device comprises an IoT (interne of things) system, which isconfigured/constructed to communicate with existing IoT enabled homesecurity, electrical appliance, utility, surveillance or other sensingdevices for property maintenance and diagnosis.

In an exemplary embodiment, a property management center has a controland/or monitoring panel 702, which can be designed to be operated on aspecifically constructed computer for the purpose of managing theproperty. Alternatively, the control and/or monitoring panel 702 isloaded on a computing device (e.g., iPad or iPhone), while havingdedicated electronic circuits at the time/moment of monitoring theinformation of the monitored property or sending out operationalcommands to interact with the controllable components in the property,such as sending a water valve closing/shut-off command to an IoT enabledvalve in the property 704 from the control panel 702 of the propertymanagement center. In responding to the control command, one of theproperty managing systems (e.g., 704A, 706A, and/or 708A) configure theelectronic circuit and/or corresponding mechanical componentsinside/around the property to close the water valve.

In some embodiments, the control panel 702 of the property managementcenter sends out control or communication signals to all propertymanaging systems (e.g., 704A, 706A, and/or 708A), which make all theproperty managing systems perform the specified command, or respond tothe communication as required (e.g., requesting for sending backinformation or premise conditions).

In other embodiments, the control panel 702 of the property managementcenter sends out control or communication signals to pre-determinedproperty managing systems (e.g., 704A and 706A only) based onpreselected criteria (e.g., within a geographic area/location), whichdirects only the selected property managing devices (e.g., 704A and 706Aonly) to perform the specified command or response to the communication(e.g., requesting for sending back information or premise conditions).

In some other embodiments, the control panel 702 of the propertymanagement center sends out control or communication signals to allproperty managing systems (e.g., 704A, 706A, and 708A), whereas only thedevice (e.g., 708A only) that meets the predetermined condition (e.g., ahouse experiencing an active earthquake; the information about thedevice 708A can be stored in the property management center, enteredmanually, or stored inside the device 708A) performs/executes thecommand (e.g., turning off all electricity inside the house).

In some embodiments, the control and/or monitoring panel 702 shows thecurrent/live conditions of the property on a display/screen 712,including inside/outside temperature, water pressure, air quality,carbon dioxide level, carbon monoxide level, door locked/unlocked,motion sensor status, live video inside the house, live audio at thehouse, and/or total status. Any other property related conditions arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the control and/or monitoring panel 702 containscontrolling switches 714, buttons, knobs, or any other controllingdevices configured to send controlling signals to the propertymanagement systems 704A, 706A, and 708A, such that the propertymanagement systems 704A, 706A, and 708A perform/execute the commandsaccordingly (e.g., turning on fan to lower the property temperature;turning on fire sprinkler at a predetermined room to extinguish fire inthat room without exposing other rooms in the structure to unnecessarymoisture inside the property; this method would use the InternalPositioning System (IPS) described above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the kitchen in the property 704 is catchingfire. The high temperature of the fire causes a liquid alcohol at thefire sprinkler system to expand its volume, which triggers a sensor 704Bto send a fire warning signal to the property management device (e.g.,704A. The property management device 704A in turn sends the fire warningsignal to the panel 702 of the property management center. The personnelat the property management center uses the control switches 714 to senda spraying water command to the property management system 704A, whichcauses the fire sprinkler at the kitchen of the property 704 to spraywater and put out the fire. The personnel at the property managementcenter monitors the status of fire via the live video on the property704 and act accordingly (e.g., when the fire is extinguished, thepersonnel can shut off the water by providing a cancel water command).By having the monitoring and controlling functions and devices in place,the property management center is able to interactively and in real-timemonitor and safeguard the property.

In some embodiments, the panel 702 is on a specially constructedcomputer having a dedicated control hardware and software. In otherembodiments, the panel 702 is on a GUI (Graphical user interface) basedcontrol panel on a computing device (e.g., iPad or personal computer),and a person is able to receive info and/or provide commands via theGUI. In some embodiments, security check or permission level is checkedbefore a command at the panel is accepted. In some embodiments, adispatch button 716 is on the panel 702, which sends a signal to adispatch center for providing assistance (e.g., a signal is send to aplumber, security service (e.g., police or private security company) orproperty management team that is contracted or nearest to the property704).

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate examples of a property management network800 constructed using a plurality of property management systems 700(can be the system 700 of FIG. 7) in accordance with some embodiments.The plurality of property management systems 700 can communicate witheach other and locate in geometrically similar but separated areas orregions, i.e., not limited by distance. In this way, the propertymanagement network 800 is capable of providing an early warningmechanism or capable of preparing itself to deal with imminentenvironmental threats within.

In one example, within the property management network 800, differentproperty management centers can cooperate with each other for coveringrespective insufficiency, for example, by instantly or periodicallypolling and sharing respective information or even temporarily takingcontrol for each other's tasks, including emergency dealing tasks.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the plurality (can be more thanthree) of property management systems 700 can form a ring topology formutual communication. In some other examples, the plurality of propertymanagement systems 700 can also form a star topology, a bus topology, amesh topology, a tree topology, or even a hybrid topology. The propertymanagement network 800 is capable of using or dynamically changing itstopology based on different requirements in different examples.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the plurality (may be more thanthree) of property management systems 700 can form a tightly-connectedtopology for mutual communication. Under the tightly-connected topology,every two different property management systems 700 share a channel formutual communication and result in a better fail-proof function becauseit acquires a better capability in fixing malfunctions of a few propertymanagement systems 700.

In one example, the plurality of property management systems 700 sharerespective information using a blockchain, (e.g. a private blockchaindedicated to the property management network 800 for involving lessnetwork nodes and thus decreasing network bandwidth and loading.) Inthis way, information of the plurality of property management systems700 can be safely shared and managed for preventing malicious webattacks, including malicious tampering. In one example, a first propertymanagement system 700 can confront an unexpected functional failure,such as blackout or natural disaster. With the aid of a continuouspolling between property management systems 700 within the propertymanagement network 800, other property management systems 700 can beaware of the first property management's failure. Under suchcircumstance, at least one second property management system 700 cantemporarily share the first property management system 700'sresponsibility in monitoring its properties until the first propertymanagement system 700 restores its functionality.

By means of sharing, any involved second property management system 700can prevent itself from overloaded responsibility. The at least onesecond property management systems 700 can also serve as a backup powersource, a system diagnostic or fixing tool of restoring the firstproperty management system 700, (e.g. by sharing such loading.) The atleast one second property management systems 700 can also backup asnapshot status of the first property management system 700 forrestoring its working status after the first property management stopsmalfunctioning.

In some embodiments, the term “property managing center” includes but isnot limited to a property managing device (e.g., a computer server), aproperty managing software, a property managing related person, and/or aproperty managing business entity. In some embodiments, the term“naturally occurring” means existing or occurring by nature and withoutartificial aid, such as a weather temperature higher than 40 degree C.or an space having a temperature higher than normal weather temperature,which signify a burning event (e.g., greater than 80 degree C.).

In utilization, the methods and devices can be used to manage andmonitor the status of the properties without constantly sending a personto inspect the conditions of the properties. In operation, a hub iscoupled with one or more environmental condition monitoring sensors,wherein the hub is sending a warning or reporting signal to a propertymanagement center when the one or more environmental conditionmonitoring sensors detects the occurrence or non-occurrence of apredetermined condition, such as flooding or water leaking.

The description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the artto make and use the invention. Various modifications to the describedembodiments are readily apparent to those persons skilled in the art andthe generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus,the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodimentsshown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theprinciples and features described herein. It is readily apparent to oneskilled in the art that other modifications can be made to theembodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A method of managing multiple vacant propertiescomprising: a) transmitting information of a first vacant propertycondition of a first vacant property using a first signal hub at thefirst vacant property; b) monitoring the first vacant property conditionby using a first environmental monitoring sensor communicated with thefirst signal hub using a RF signal having a frequency higher than 500MHz. c) transmitting information of a second vacant property conditionof a second vacant property using a second signal hub at the secondvacant property; d) monitoring the second vacant property condition byusing a second environmental monitoring sensor communicated with thesecond signal hub using a RF signal having a frequency higher than 500MHz. e) receiving the information of the first and the second vacantproperty conditions at a service providing end remote to the first andthe second vacant properties; and f) preventing a damage to the first orthe second vacant properties by constantly monitoring the vacantproperty conditions of the first and the second vacant properties usinga vacant property management software at the service providing end,wherein the vacant property management software is configured to preventthe damage by providing controlling signals commending a predeterminedutility device at the first or second vacant properties performing anutility function.
 25. The method of claim 24, further comprisingdispatching a vacant property maintenance service to the first vacantproperty, the second vacant property, or both based on receivedinformation of the vacant property conditions.
 26. The method of claim24, further comprising remotely controlling one or more mechanical orelectrical devices in the first vacant property or the second vacantproperty for preventing or reducing the damage to the first or secondvacant property.
 27. A vacant property management system comprising: I)a signal hub at a vacant property containing: a) a reporting unitconfigured to wirelessly report a signal of a detected vacant propertyhazardous event; b) a radio frequency communicating unit configured toreceive the signal of the detected vacant property hazardous event fromone or more first environmental sensors; and c) a housing containing oneor more batteries, the reporting unit, and the radio frequencycommunicating unit; and d) a power managing module configured to extendan operating duration of a self-contained battery set more than 6 monthson a single charge suitable for a vacant property without availableelectricity supply; and II) a vacant property management centercontaining: a) a vacant property controlling panel configured to sendcontrolling signals and commend a predetermined utility deviceperforming a utility function to prevent an environmental conditiondamaging the vacant property.
 28. The vacant property management deviceof claim 27, wherein the self-contained battery set has an electricitycapacity less than 5,000 mAh.
 29. The vacant property management deviceof claim 27, further comprise a second environmental monitoring sensorcontained within the housing.
 30. The vacant property management deviceof claim 29, wherein the second environmental monitoring sensorcomprises a carbon monoxide detector.
 31. The vacant property managementdevice of claim 29, wherein the second environmental monitoring sensoris configured to be always on at a normal operating condition.
 32. Thevacant property management device of claim 27, wherein the firstenvironmental sensors comprise a smoke detector, a flood sensor, a waterleak sensor, a mold sensor, a motion sensor, or a combination thereof.33. The vacant property management device of claim 27, wherein thereporting unit uses a wireless cell signal for reporting the detectedvacant property hazardous event.
 34. The vacant property managementdevice of claim 33, wherein the wireless cell signal comprises a GSMsignal.
 35. A vacant property management network, comprising: aplurality of vacant property managing systems sharing mutual informationfor respective vacant property management, each of the vacant propertymanaging system comprises: a vacant property managing member configuredto receive vacant property condition information, wherein the vacantproperty managing member comprises a vacant property managing softwareconfigured to process the vacant property condition information andprovide controlling signals commending a predetermined utility device ata vacant property for performing an utility function to prevent a vacantproperty damaging condition; and a plurality of vacant propertymanagement devices configured to send the vacant property conditioninformation to the vacant property managing member, wherein each of thevacant property management devices comprises: a wireless externalreporting member configured to report the vacant property conditioninformation to the vacant property managing member based on a periodicduty cycle; an environmental monitoring sensor configured to transmit anevent signal to the wireless external reporting member at an occurrenceof a predetermined event; and a battery configured to power the wirelessexternal reporting member, the environmental monitoring sensor, or both.36. The vacant property management network of claim 35, wherein theperiodic duty cycle is a continuous duty cycle in each period ofreporting the vacant property condition information.
 37. The vacantproperty management network of claim 36, wherein the periodic duty cyclestarts at a random location within each the period of reporting thevacant property condition information.
 38. The vacant propertymanagement network of claim 35, wherein the periodic duty cyclecomprises a plurality of discrete sub duty cycles.
 39. The vacantproperty management network of claim 35, wherein the plurality of vacantproperty management devices is located in mutually distant areas orregions.
 40. The vacant property management network of claim 34, whereinthe vacant property management network communicates the plurality ofvacant property management devices in a configuration comprising a ringtopology, a star topology, a bus topology, a mesh topology, a treetopology, or a hybrid topology.
 41. The vacant property managementnetwork of claim 34, wherein the vacant property management networkcommunicates the plurality of vacant property management devices in atightly-connected topology that every two different vacant propertymanagement systems share a channel for mutual communication.
 42. Thevacant property management network of claim 34 is further configured toapply a blockchain for sharing information among the plurality of vacantproperty management devices.
 43. The vacant property management networkof claim 41, wherein the blockchain is a private blockchain dedicated tothe vacant property management network.
 44. The vacant propertymanagement network of claim 34, wherein when a first vacant propertymanagement device out of the plurality of vacant property managementdevices is detected to be malfunctioning by at least one second vacantproperty management device out of the plurality of vacant propertymanagement devices, the at least one second vacant property managementdevice is configured to take over the first vacant property managementdevice's managing tasks.
 45. The vacant property management network ofclaim 43, wherein the at least one second vacant property managementdevice is configured to share the first vacant property managementdevice's managing tasks for taking over them.
 46. The vacant propertymanagement network of claim 34, wherein when a first vacant propertymanagement device out of the plurality of vacant property managementdevices is detected to be malfunctioning by at least one second vacantproperty management device out of the plurality of vacant propertymanagement devices, the at least one second vacant property managementdevice is configured to serve as a backup power source to power up thefirst vacant property management device.
 47. The vacant propertymanagement network of claim 34, wherein when a first vacant propertymanagement device out of the plurality of property management devices isdetected to be malfunctioning by at least one second vacant propertymanagement device out of the plurality of vacant property managementdevices, the at least one second vacant property management device isconfigured to diagnose and/or fix the first vacant property managementdevice.
 48. The vacant property management network of claim 34, whereinwhen a first vacant property management device out of the plurality ofvacant property management devices is detected to be malfunctioning byat least one second vacant property management device out of theplurality of vacant property management devices, the at least one secondvacant property management device is configured to backup a snapshotstatus of the first vacant property management device for preparation ofrestoring a working status of the first vacant property managementdevice.